In accordance with the provisions of the Human Rights Code, RSNL 1990, Chapter H-14, the Lieutenant Governor in Council shall appoint at least six persons (one of whom is named chief adjudicator) to act as members of boards of inquiry into matters referred to them by the Commissioners of the Human Rights Commission. Appointments are for a term of three years and members of the panel may be reappointed.
The mandate of the panel of adjudicators is contained in sections 27 and 28 of the Human Rights Code, RSNL 1990, Chapter H-14. It is the responsibility of the Commissioners of the Human Rights Commission to determine which matters are referred to the chief adjudicator for hearing. The chief adjudicator may hear the matter or refer the matter to another adjudicator. Once a matter is referred, the board of inquiry shall inquire into the matter and give full opportunity to all parties to present their evidence and make representations, through counsel or otherwise. The complaint referred shall be heard without undue delay. In performing their duties a board of inquiry has the powers of a commissioner under the Public Inquiries Act SNL 2006 Chapter P-38.1, is limited to those powers granted under section 9 and 10 of the Public Inquiries Act. The adjudicator will determine if the complaint is justified and either dismiss the matter or grant a remedy under section 28 of the Human Rights Code, RSNL 1990, Chapter H-14.